Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the tremendous potential of India’s maritime sector while inaugurating the fourth India Maritime Week (IMW) in Mumbai on Monday.
Addressing a gathering at IMW, he said, “India’s strategic maritime position, democratic stability and naval capabilities were instrumental in bridging the Indo-Pacific and Global South. The growing maritime presence was also contributing to developmental, security and environmental sustainability.”
Claiming that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is all set to create a new maritime history, Shah added, “We have a rich maritime legacy that dates back 5,000 years. India’s maritime strategic position, democratic stability and naval capabilities are building a bridge between Indo-Pacific and Global South.”
Underlining the significance of the sector, the Union home minister said, “Maritime activities contribute 60 per cent to our GDP. And our exclusive and special economic zones cover 23.7 lakh square kilometres.”
Shah also highlighted the importance of IMW and said, “At the summit, there will be a brainstorming of ideas to make the Gateway of India the Gateway of the World. Over the past decade, structural reforms in the maritime economy have positioned India as an emerging global maritime power.”
With 11,000 kilometres of coastline and 13 coastal states and Union Territories, India has the strategic advantage of location, he said, urging global investors to explore the “huge opportunities”.
IMW 2025 is being hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) from October 27 to 31 at NESCO Grounds in Mumbai. The stated objective is to provide a forum for global stakeholders to discuss innovation, sustainability, and growth in the maritime domain.
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Speaking at the summit, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that the theme of IMW 2025 – ‘Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision’ – reflects the timeless Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
Addressing the event, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “India’s biggest upcoming Wadhwan Port, once completed, will rank among the top ten ports globally. This landmark project will transform India into a global maritime power and firmly integrate the nation into the global trade and supply chain network.”
The chief ministers of Gujarat, Goa, and Odisha also attended the inaugural program.
